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Funeral For Little Maria Chapman & Pastor Releases Statement

Posted by Sassy Smith

 

 

The world doesn't seem right when a child dies.  Five year old Maria Chapman, daughter of gospel singer Steven Curtis Chapman,  passed away after being struck by a vehicle driven by her older brother.  The Chapman's pastor, Scotty Smith told CBN News that the outpouring of love and support for the family is overwhelming and spoke of the grief the family is experiencing.  Of the son who hit Maria he said:

"He understandably is just devastated.  Their beautiful home has a couple of bends in the road.  It just was totally an accident and this young man's heart is crushed."

Mr. Smith has been a friend of the family's for over 20 years.  He urges people not to forget Maria's brother in their prayers.

"I encourage all to just redouble their prayers. because we all can predict how the enemy will try and whisper in his heart," he said.

Visitation for Maria will start today, May 23 at the Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville.  Her memorial service will be held Saturday, May 24 at 11 a.m.

I hope Maria's brother can forgive himself and know that he has thousands upon thousands of people praying for him.

[Source]

Related Posts:

Statement From Steven Curtis Chapman Family

Daughter of Steven Curtis Chapman Hit, Killed By Car

Video of Maria Sue Chapman Posted By Family


+ DIGG + STUMBLE

Comments

 

KK said:

I have been praying for the brother, what a horrible experience. =[

May 23, 2008 6:50 PM
 

Earl Johnson 111 said:

I lost my dear younger brother over two years ago and deeply feel the loss of the Chapman family. Here is a poem written for your family.....Blog name Graceman

Maria

Maria's our baby and we love her so

Deposited from heaven not so long ago

Traveled far away to a distant land

Returned to America holding her hand

On loan from God it was plain to see

We never know how long the loan will be

So cherish all gifts from the throne to thee

And hold on dearly to every mem-or-y

He gives and takes away we sing so free

Till the pain and heartache hits you or me

Like King David we must release our gift

And trust the Lord Our hearts to lift

We release our Maria, life's little joy

We'll focus our prayers on healing our boy

He needs us now , we'll be there for him

We'll weather this storm

We'll endure the fire

We'll depend on you Jesus

Though we'll weep and tire

We'll rely on God's Amazing Grace

It won't be long and we'll see Maria's face.

Love to all the Chapman family...

Earl - contactgraceman@yahoo.com

May 23, 2008 11:49 PM
 

Eleanorr Pearce said:

To the Chapman Family and the son.  My heart is broken with yours.... the little light Maria Sue was with us such a short time. We loved to see her joy as she washed and dried dishes with  "Daddy".... what a darling Please lean on God, lean heavily on the Word.... Maria is in a far far better place and we WILL be with her soon!!!

Love Eleanor

A Mom and Grandmom

May 24, 2008 2:39 AM
 

Melanie said:

Steven, MaryBeth, Emily, Caleb, WillFranklin, Stevie Joy, & Shaoey...there simply aren't words at times like these and when they come, sometimes they seem so trite.  But as soon as I heard of your family's tragic loss I was taken back to the song you recorded on the "Dive" album.  It is a song called, "With Hope" that I'm sure you know well...and never dreamed it would become SUCH a personal anthem of your family pain.  So, I will leave you with words that you wrote and a song that comforted me during a time my best friend's four year old was taken too early from us at 4 years old due to a brain tumor...

This is not at all how we thought it was suppsed to be...

We had so many plans for you...

We had so many dreams...

But down you're gone away...

And left us with a memory of your smile...

And nothing we can say...

Or nothing we can do...

Can take away the pain, the pain of losing you...

But we can cry with hope...We can say goodbye with hope...

'Cause we know our good bye is not the end...

And we can dream with hope...

'Cause we believe with hope...

There's a place, by God's grace, there's a place

Where we'll see her face again!

Blessings & Prayers    Melanie

May 24, 2008 3:44 AM
 

Tanya Kudla said:

We in Detroit will remember your family in my prayers for months and years to come, especially this dear brother, who has his whole life ahead.  I KNOW the grace of God WILL be greater than the lies of the enemy, and I can't wait to see the ways in which our merciful Father shows up in this tragic situation.  Thank God for the RAEL hope we have in times like these.

May 24, 2008 2:06 PM
 

Meg, Houston Texas said:

To the Chapman family,

I just wanted to tell you how sorry we are for your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Tell your son for us all how much we love him and you and your family also.  If there was anything any of us could do to change things we would but now we ask God to help your family mend and we will continue to pray for you all.

Thank you for making such an impact on our lives.  

May 24, 2008 3:34 PM
 

Tabitha said:

Dear Chapman Family,

  You are in my prayers, my heart truley aches for you. I am praying for the arms of Jesus to envelope you in this season. I know he will bring peace and comfort for your family.

May 24, 2008 11:32 PM
 

JOsh said:

heres my poem.. Roses are red, violets are blue, dangit maria we'll miss you

May 25, 2008 11:07 AM
 

LJR said:

To the Chapman family:

May you find comfort in knowing that your little Cinderella is dancing with the Prince of Peace today. Our prayers are with you.

May 25, 2008 5:34 PM
 

Andrew Edgar said:

i am praying for the chapman family every time i pray..this is such a tragic lose, but god has a reason for evry thing so there must be a reason for this happenig..as for the son i hope he  can realize that he can forgive himself and that it was an accident....my family's prayer are with you and i hope that you will overcome this hard time in your life...one day you can be with her agian.

sincerely, Andrew Edgar

May 25, 2008 9:43 PM
 

Amy Joy said:

My family and I are fervently praying for the Chapman family.  Our hearts are deeply saddened over the tremendous loss.  I hope that you can feel the thousands of people praying for all of you.  I truly hope that helps give you some sense of peace.  

When I lost my son listening to Christian music like Steven Curtis Chapman's helped me through.  I wish I had something like that to give to the family, but all I can do is pray.  I will continue to do so.

Sending much love to such a wonderful family,

Amy Joy

May 26, 2008 12:59 PM
 

Valerie said:

Dear Chapman Family,

My heart goes out to you after hearing about Maria. Never lose sight of the fact that the devil did not win. We know that Maria is in God's presence. I pray that the peace and comfort of God rests and encompasses you. What the enemy meant for evil, God is on the verge of shining more of his glory on you.  The joy of the Lord is your strength! Nehemiah 8:10

May 27, 2008 5:12 PM
 

Steve said:

Many prayers to your family and for your son on the loss of your precious Maria. God takes all the bad and intends it for the good. What happened is bad but the good is seeing her in heaven one day. May God bless you and yours.

May 27, 2008 11:56 PM
 

Lana Norman said:

To the Chapman family

Ever since I heard about the tragic unthinkable news, you have been on my mind constantly.  I pray for you all daily. I would also like to say to the brother that was involved in the accident that he must forgive himself, I can't imagine how he must be feeling but our Father in heaven knows his heart and how he is feeling and He will be his comfort and strength at this time.

May 29, 2008 2:33 AM
 

Lana Norman said:

To the Chapman family

Ever since I heard about the tragic unthinkable news, you have been on my mind constantly.  I pray for you all daily. I would also like to say to the brother that was involved in the accident that he must forgive himself, I can't imagine how he must be feeling but our Father in heaven knows his heart and how he is feeling and He will be his comfort and strength at this time.

May 29, 2008 2:36 AM
 

Carla said:

My heart breaks for the loss of your daughter and for the heartache of your son.  My prayer is that God will embrace you ever so tenderly and will give you peace knowing that little Maria is playing with the angels in the streets of gold. And Will, Maria would want you to just remember the love and laughter. Forgiveness is a choice and should you chose not to forgive yourself you will delay your healing, and those who care about you.  God bless the Chapman family always.

May 30, 2008 6:44 PM
 

James Farver said:

We've all been praying for the Stephen Curtis Chapman family and understand it will be a true hardship for them.  It is so sad. Several people from church are curious as to why the Chapman family were barefoot at the funeral of Maria.  They are asking if we should practice this and go barefoot at all Christian funerals.  

June 5, 2008 9:54 AM
 

pastor michael aslam said:

Greeting in the name of our saviour Lord Jesus Christ.

Dear, we want to arrange your 3 days healing crusade, 2 days pastors’ leadership conference and 1 day Women Conference in Punjab Pakistan , so we want and our desire to invite you in healing crusade as a speaker, preacher and God wants to use you in Punjab Pakistan for gospel. Please accept our invitation and came and preach in healing Crusade , Pastors leadership conference & Women Conference in Punjab Pakistan . We will be very thankful if you give us time for the gospel of God in Punjab Pakistan .

Please reply us soon.

God Bless you & your ministry Work.

greeting in the name of jesus

i am rev michael aslam of jesus call ministry of pakistan.our ministry work in pakistan.we want to affialate with your ministry.we are very impressive of your ministry and your work .please answer me soon

thanks

Rev. Michael Aslam and Pastor Ishrat Michael

Jesus Call Ministry of Pakistan

Email: michaelz_simple@yahoo.com

Contact No. 92-301-4269524

92-42-6126614

Remote Host: 202.125.143.67

June 9, 2008 9:26 AM
 

Shelley said:

I just want the chapman family to know I am prayin for them. God is the only one who can give you peace and comfort through something like this. It might not seem easy right now...but as the years go by you will look back and thank God for how he has brought you through this time in your life and wonder how He did! That is just how amazing God is though. I thank God for this little girl. She has not only made a difference in the chapman family...but she has touched the whole world. It goes to show...you are never to young to make an impact. Though she did in this way....she is with God and others will come to him through this. I thank God for the chapman family and I am praying for you!!!

June 9, 2008 5:14 PM
 

Trinity said:

My husband and I lost our son in 2002.  We know your heartache, but we know there is true healing through Christ. We are praying for the whole family and please know that we love all of you, and no matter how hard it is God has something great in store!!  God Bless!

June 13, 2008 11:59 PM
 

Beverley Mote said:

My family and I attended one of Stephen's concerts a few months ago and were touched by his love for his family.  We lost our 13 year old neice last year and know the sting of missing one so young.  We are heartbroken not only for the loss of this beautiful little girl, but are praying for the Lord to heal the hearts of the entire family, most especially Maria's brother.  This life is but the bat of an eye.  With God's grace this family we be together forever.

June 14, 2008 7:43 PM
 

hughie johnston said:

i just wont it to tall or famly am praying for us just keep god first in he will bring or famly thru it trust in him and my heart is broken for our famly and am praying for us god bless

June 14, 2008 10:11 PM

About Sassy Smith

I am a photographer and writer, who has a high-falutin' office (aka dining room table), four kids, one husband (I was dating Brad Pitt, but he was boring) and I live in Calgary. I often think I'm famous, but nope, that's just the people I write about.

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